The gun control showdown

The showdown over gun control gets underway this morning at 10 a.m. when Gov. Ed Rendell is due to make a rare appearance at a House Judiciary Committee and argue for three bills, including one to allow local cities and counties to enact tougher gun laws than the state.

Today's Philadelphia Inquirer notes it's the first time in at least 20 years that a sitting governor has testified before a legislative committee. It's an indication of the importance Rendell puts in the measures that include limiting gun purchases to one per month that he hopes to sway some of those legislators straddling the fence or those on the other side.

But Republicans, who say more police is the solution to the violent crime problems facings Philadelphia and other smaller cities, turned and fired before the guv could even draw.

''We need to make sure we have enough police officers on our streets to protect our citizens," said state Rep. Ron Marsico, R-Dauphin, during a press conference with 10 colleagues.

Marsico also dissed Rendell's "dog and pony show."

CeaseFirePA, the pro-gun control group, fired back, according to The Morning Call of Allentown, with a poll of its own saying that voters in the districts of legislators opposed to tougher laws actually support them.

Not to be outdone, Pennsylvania Republican chairman Rob Gleason Jr. threw fear to the wind and weighed in all the way from Johnstown with the warning that Rendell wants to take your guns away.

"Gov. Ed Rendell and House Democrats continue to try to impose more restrictions and regulations on Pennsylvania's law-abiding gun owners," said Gleason. "I understand that Mayor Street and Philadelphia Democrats have allowed the city of Philadelphia's murder problem to spiral out of control, however, I believe that Pennsylvania's problems can best be corrected by punishing criminals, not law-abiding citizens."

The Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Berks, will hear testimony and vote on three bills -- H.B.s 18, 22, 29 and 2060 during the hearing in Room 140 of the Captitol.

The measures would provide municipalities with limited power to pass firearms ordinances; limit handgun purchases to one a month, with exceptions for dealers, collectors and law enforcement; allow the Pennsylvania State Police to create a registry of lost or stolen firearms, and require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms; and increase penalties for the murder of law enforcement officers and create the specific crime of criminal homicide of law enforcement officers.

Related Stories

Featured Story

Get 'Today's Front Page' in your inbox

This newsletter is sent every morning at 6 a.m. and includes the morning's top stories, a full list of obituaries, links to comics and puzzles and the most recent news, sports and entertainment headlines.

optionalCheck here if you do not want to receive additional email offers and information.See our privacy policy

Thank you for signing up for 'Today's Front Page'

To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please click here.